Italy Golden Visa for an IT Specialist from Delhi: A Realistic Pathway

Arjun, an IT entrepreneur from Delhi, had spent over a decade building innovative software solutions for fintech and AI start-ups in India and the UAE. As his company planned its expansion into the European market, Arjun began looking for a stable legal route to establish a base in the EU. After consulting with the experts at GARANT.in, he decided to apply for the Italian Investor Visa — the country's official residence-by-investment programme, commonly known as the Italy Golden Visa.

Client’s Objectives: Securing a Future in the EU

Arjun’s main goals were clear:

• Establish a business presence within the European Union.

• Secure long-term residence rights in Italy for himself and his family via the Italy Golden Visa.

• Gain the ability to travel freely across the Schengen Area.

• Ensure access to high-quality education and healthcare for his children.

Why Choose the Italy Golden Visa?

The Italy Golden Visa stood out for its focus on business investment and its structured path to residency.

According to the official legal decree (Law No. 232/2016), the programme requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in an innovative Italian start-up — one of the most accessible routes for entrepreneurs.

The residence permit is granted for two years initially and can be renewed for three more, provided the investment remains active. Eligibility for permanent residence requires demonstrating that Italy is your primary residence after five years.

Navigating the Italy Golden Visa Application Process

The GARANT.in team conducted a detailed analysis, confirming that Arjun's plan to invest in an Italian AI start-up qualified under the programme. They emphasized that the most critical and time-consuming step is obtaining the “Nulla Osta” (certificate of no impediment) from the Italian Investor Visa Committee.

The process included:

• Preparing a comprehensive business plan for the Italian authorities, demonstrating the project's innovation and benefit to the Italian economy.

• Compiling, translating, and legalizing all documents, including proof of funds and company records.

• Submitting the application for the "Nulla Osta" and liaising with the Committee.

• The entire process, from the initial "Nulla Osta" application to the final visa issuance, took approximately six months. This timeline accounts for the official processing period and standard bureaucratic delays.

Relocation and Securing Your Italian Residence Permit

After receiving the visa, Arjun and his family relocated to Italy, where the next important stage awaited them — converting the investor visa into a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per investitori). Upon arrival, they registered their new address with the local authorities and completed all the necessary formalities at the Questura — the local police headquarters — including the submission of biometric data. They also provided the final confirmation of their executed investment to the relevant government office. The process was efficient and transparent: within just two months, the family received their residence cards. Settling in Milan, Arjun quickly established operations for his company’s European branch, managing its expansion directly from Italy’s financial and technological hub.

Italy Golden Visa Benefits: Life After Approval

Arjun’s investment facilitated his company's acceptance into a Milan-based innovation cluster. His family now enjoys the core benefits of the Italy Golden Visa:

1. Legal residence in Italy, with visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.

2. Full access to Italy's healthcare and education systems, with his children enrolling in a local bilingual school.

3. A clear, long-term pathway to EU permanent residence and, eventually, citizenship, contingent on maintaining the investment and fulfilling continuous residence requirements.

Italy Golden Visa Programme Facts

• Minimum investment: €250,000 in an innovative start-up (other options available).

• Key Step: "Nulla Osta" approval from the Italian Committee.

• Realistic Timeline: 6-9 months for the entire process from application to visa issuance.

• Residence Permit: 2 years, renewable for 3 years.

Client’s Feedback on the Italy Golden Visa Journey

“The Italy Golden Visa provided a structured and legitimate pathway into Europe. While the process required patience and meticulous documentation, the GARANT.in team provided crucial guidance, especially in navigating the 'Nulla Osta' approval and the post-arrival bureaucracy. It was a complex but worthwhile decision for our family's future.” — Arjun, IT entrepreneur from Delhi.